Keep it real to stay fit

Mary Neil

Published: Friday, October 5, 2012 at 06:56 PM.

Are you as confused as I am? Eggs are bad for you! Eggs are good for you! Salt is bad for you! Now salt is OK!

With all those conflicting studies and information out there it’s no wonder that some people throw up their hands in frustration. And when you are trying to lose weight, there’s plenty of bad information to confuse you.

And we know that old habits die hard. Want proof? Let’s talk about the recent controversy over “biggie” sized soft drinks. We could all hear the howls of protest when New York City tried to downsize super-sized drinks. It shows how hooked we are on sugar that some people said if they had to give up their big gulps they’d just buy a second drink.

Another booby trap when it comes to losing weight is the notion that all carbohydrates are bad. The important thing is to choose complex carbs – whole grains, vegetables and legumes instead of processed and refined ones like sweets, white bread, and white sugar. Carbs are vital because they are broken down into glucose, which is your body’s primary fuel, and are the main source of energy for muscle function, the nervous system and especially your brain.

And no matter what the diet books tell you, you can’t shape up unless you get off that couch. You have to move. Pick an activity you like or can at least tolerate and do it three to four times a week. Even brisk walking is fine and you can do that practically anywhere. Get a buddy to keep you motivated and get moving.

When you get proper nourishment by eating real food, and get moving you go a long way to loosing weight, keeping it off and beating back diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. That sounds like a “real” plan.

Are you as confused as I am? Eggs are bad for you! Eggs are good for you! Salt is bad for you! Now salt is OK!

With all those conflicting studies and information out there it’s no wonder that some people throw up their hands in frustration. And when you are trying to lose weight, there’s plenty of bad information to confuse you.

And we know that old habits die hard. Want proof? Let’s talk about the recent controversy over “biggie” sized soft drinks. We could all hear the howls of protest when New York City tried to downsize super-sized drinks. It shows how hooked we are on sugar that some people said if they had to give up their big gulps they’d just buy a second drink.

Another booby trap when it comes to losing weight is the notion that all carbohydrates are bad. The important thing is to choose complex carbs – whole grains, vegetables and legumes instead of processed and refined ones like sweets, white bread, and white sugar. Carbs are vital because they are broken down into glucose, which is your body’s primary fuel, and are the main source of energy for muscle function, the nervous system and especially your brain.

And no matter what the diet books tell you, you can’t shape up unless you get off that couch. You have to move. Pick an activity you like or can at least tolerate and do it three to four times a week. Even brisk walking is fine and you can do that practically anywhere. Get a buddy to keep you motivated and get moving.

When you get proper nourishment by eating real food, and get moving you go a long way to loosing weight, keeping it off and beating back diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. That sounds like a “real” plan.

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is a good time to start a new health program and to support The American Cancer Society in its goal to find a cure for all cancers.

One reminder, don’t get up tight about changes your lifestyle. Do it at your own pace and be proud of each healthy change in your life you make. Life is too short to be down on your self. Look around you. There are all kinds of goodies available this month to keep your spirits up and to support the fight against breast cancer. Panera has brought back the pink ribbon bagel during October and will donate a portion of the proceeds to local breast cancer organizations in their areas. This is a healthy choice to go with one of their huge, fresh salads. Now that sounds like a fun plan!